Newbie to Traditional Shooting

[sdorton]

But not to bow hunting as I’ve hunted with compound bows for 20yrs. Lately I’ve been tossing up the idea of getting into Traditional Bowhunting. I’m just starting my research and plan on buying a Traditional bow in the near future. What books, advise, info would you guys give to us newbies?  Where would you start with purchasing your first bow, recurve or long bow, must have items? 

My ideal scenario would be to find a Dean Torges made bow. I knew Dean very well although it was there another hobby of ours...squirrel doggin’  Wish I had come to this interest in Traditional archery when we hunted and talked together. I had a World of Knowledge amongst me...anyways and help would be appreciated.

Scottie

[bigbadjon]

If you are looking for a video I would recommend Masters of the Barebow Vol 3 and 4,  the Rod Jenkins and Joel Turner portion specifically. I would also recommend learning to shoot with a clicker at first to make sure your draw is consistent. Lastly I would look up Ken Beck's arrow tuning video on Youtube.

[bear mike]

Lots of know how here the people on this site will do everything they can to help you

[sdorton]

If you are looking for a video I would recommend Masters of the Barebow Vol 3 and 4,  the Rod Jenkins and Joel Turner portion specifically. I would also recommend learning to shoot with a clicker at first to make sure your draw is consistent. Lastly I would look up Ken Beck's arrow tuning video on Youtube.

Awesome thanks for the info

[sdorton]

Lots of know how here the people on this site will do everything they can to help you

Thats what I hear. Just found out about this site yesterday.

[Roy from Pa]

There is a shooters form section here also, 3rd one down from the top.

Lot of good form information there.

Arne is an archery coach...

[Bowguy67]

I’m a little hesitant to say this as I don’t want to be taken wrong but if your form is correct it’s a very slight jump to traditional.
If you used a release, shooting fingers may take some getting used to.
Back tension is basically the same. Be sure and follow through. Your string fingers need to be near your shoulder after release, not by your face.
If you’re familiar w a string bow it’d be a great start.

[Bisch]

I will add that to find someone with trad experience in your area to mentor from is an invaluable asset that can really lessen the learning curve!!!!

Good luck!

Bisch

[TruffleShuffle]

I'm a former compound shooter who has been struggling with trad for several years.  My best advice would be to start with a low poundage bow and get a good mentor/coach. 

[sdorton]

Awesome thanks for the advice and help fellas. I appreciate it.

[hvyhitter]

Get a bow and arrows spined close.  Shoot a lot and get comfortable. Work on only one thing at a time as you improve your form. What works for some people may or may not work for you so don't try and force a specific style/grip/release/stance/bow etc...………  Its like any other skill, you work on it and then it "clicks" and comes together. Some people never "get it" as they are constantly changing everything and never get consistant……….. Welcome! and remember this is supposed to be fun...………….YMMV

[Sam McMichael]

One thing that will require some adjustment is distance. Many hunters, often very good hunters, don't take shots over about 20 yards. Some do all right at longer distances, but 20 is what a lot of the people I know consider "standard". Don't worry about that, though, as this will give you great incentive to become a better woodsman. If I ever figure out how long that takes, I'll be sure to let you know. Trad is very challenging, but it sure is fun. I think you will like it.

[Friend]

Where in Kentucky are you located?

[LBR]

Get good instruction.  Attend a Rod Jenkins clinic if you can--it will literally pay for itself many times over in time, frustration, lost arrows, etc.  If you can't do that, at least get the video "Masters of the Barebow, Volume III".  There is a lot of good information on the www. ....and there's a lot of crap also.